Full Breakdown
Ken Paxton Sues Dallas Over Police Funding Compliance
2/14/2026, 6:23:28 AM
Overview of the Lawsuit
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a lawsuit against the City of Dallas, alleging that city officials have failed to comply with Proposition U, a voter-approved measure from November 2024. This proposition mandates that the city allocate at least 50% of any new annual revenue to fund police and fire pensions and maintain a police force of no fewer than 4,000 officers. Paxton's lawsuit specifically names Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert and Chief Financial Officer Jack Ireland Jr. as defendants, claiming they have acted beyond their legal authority by underfunding the Dallas Police Department (DPD).
Allegations of Miscalculation
Paxton contends that the city has miscalculated its excess revenue for the fiscal year 2025-26. While the city reported an excess of $61 million, Paxton argues that the actual figure is approximately $220 million. He asserts that this discrepancy undermines the funding necessary to meet the requirements set forth in Proposition U, which includes increasing police salaries and hiring additional officers.
Background on Proposition U
Proposition U was narrowly passed by Dallas voters, receiving just over 50% approval. It requires the city to ensure a minimum of 4,000 police officers, which is an increase of 900 officers from the 2024 force levels. Additionally, the proposition mandates that a significant portion of new revenue be directed toward public safety, including police pensions and salaries. Critics of the city’s compliance argue that the administration has not made sufficient progress toward these goals, with Morty Bennett, a key proponent of the proposition, stating that the city has consistently failed to recruit enough officers due to inadequate pay.
Official Statements & Responses
In a press release, Paxton emphasized the importance of adhering to voter mandates: “When voters demand more funding for law enforcement, local officials must immediately comply.” He further stated that the lawsuit aims to hold the city accountable for its obligations under the charter. A spokesperson for the City of Dallas declined to comment on the pending litigation, maintaining a stance of non-disclosure regarding the lawsuit.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite Paxton's assertions, Dallas city leaders have taken steps to align with Proposition U. In December 2025, the city council approved a 30-year, $11 billion pension funding plan for the police department and increased starting salaries for officers from approximately $75,397 to over $81,000. However, these measures have not satisfied all stakeholders, with some arguing that the city’s efforts remain insufficient to meet the mandated officer count and compensation levels.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a notable discrepancy between Paxton's claims regarding the city's excess revenue and the figures reported by Dallas officials. While Paxton asserts that the excess revenue is $220 million, the city maintains that it is only $61 million. This conflict highlights the ongoing debate about the city’s financial management and compliance with Proposition U.
What's Next
The lawsuit filed by Paxton is set to unfold in Dallas County District Court, with potential implications for the city's budget and public safety funding. As the case progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how the city responds to the allegations and whether it will adjust its budgetary allocations in light of the legal challenges.
